Pet Preparedness

Lots of articles tell you what you need in your vehicle emergency or home evacuation kit. We thought it might be helpful to talk about what pet owners should have in their pet’s emergency kit.

Your pets count on you, so it should go without saying if you need to evacuate, your pets should go with you! Every year, pets left behind are lost, injured, or killed. Please don’t let that happen to your pet!

Having a well-stocked emergency kit for your pet or pets will make it fast and easy to evacuate your entire family and can even double as a pet travel bag!

• Food: You’ll want a supply of food that will last your pet several days. The food should be in an airtight and water-proof container and rotated out periodically, so it remains fresh.
• Water: Pack a water bowl and several days’ supply of water.
• Records/Medicines: Evacuation situations may leave your pet more vulnerable to disease… just one more reason vaccinations should always be kept up to date. Knowing your pet is protected and having your pets’ medical records on hand will give you peace of mind. Keep an extra supply of any medications, too.
• First Aid: It’s not surprising that a good first aid kit for people will have much of what you’ll need for your pet as well. Add a towel, a small bottle of dishwashing liquid (for bathing), styptic powder, and your vet’s name and number and you should be well covered! A pet emergency clinic number and a book on animal first aid wouldn’t hurt, either.
• Leash/Collar/ID: Your pet probably already has a collar with an ID tag, and a leash. Having a spare set is a good idea, though. If your pet is chipped, registration information should also be part of your kit.
• Clean Up: Throw in a portable litter box and litter or poop bags, plus some basic cleaning items, like paper towels and disinfectant. You may not know exactly where you’re going and what the accommodations will be like when you get there.
• Comfort: A familiar blanket and toy, plus a supply of treats, will go a long way to reduce stress for both you and your pet or pets.

Bonus TIP: We love this tip from the ASPCA! Add a picture of you with your pet or pets. Should they become separated from you, you’ll be glad you did!

Everything should be packed in a waterproof container or backpack that’s easy to grab in a hurry. You should also have a portable pet carrier, one for each pet, if possible.